What does the Bible say about trials?
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
Every parent wants their child to mature, but as we go on journey of life sometimes we like to stay in the children’s pool. The Lord uses different trials we have in life to test our faith and help us grow along the way. I remember a lady in our church a number of years ago who had been through many trials in life. When her husband was in his early 50’s he suddenly died and soon after that her son was traveling home from college died in an automobile accident. Shortly after that her one living son was sent into combat as a soldier. Thankfully this son returned safely. Many years later as I listened to this amazing saint I felt like a sampling next to a 200 foot oak tree. Through all of this the Lord drew her into a much closer relationship. She learned to depend on God in a much deeper way and became a very mature Christian. She was not bitter and had a true love for the Lord.
Maybe you are in the midst of a great trial in your life and you are wondering how can endure this? What should I do? The good news is the Lord is right there as we call to him in prayer. The Lord can give us peace in the storm. This does not mean the storm will go away, but the Lord will walk with us through the storm.
The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Jas 1:2–4). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.